Avalanche Level 1

Format:

• One Evening Online Introduction and Q&A Session
• One In-Person Classroom Session
• Two Full-Day Field Components

Ratios:

• Classroom Learning: 40%
• Field-Based On-Snow Learning: 60%
• Student-to-Instructor Field Ratio: 4:1 for personalized instruction.
• Maximum Class Size: 8 participants.

Dates | Locations | Times:

• Wednesday, 2/5/2025: Online Session | 6–7 PM MT
• Friday, 2/7/2025: In-Person Classroom Session | Missoula, Montana | 9 AM–4 PM MT (with a 1-hour lunch break)
• Saturday, 2/8/2025 & Sunday, 2/9/2025: Rattlesnake Wilderness Backcountry | 8 AM–5 PM MT

Overview

The Avalanche Level 1 course is designed for current and aspiring backcountry travelers, focusing on building a solid foundation in avalanche safety and protocols for backcountry travel. This course, following American Avalanche Association (A3) guidelines, provides systematic approaches to gather, sort, and prioritize information for informed decision-making in avalanche terrain.

Taught by A3 Pro Educators, this hybrid course combines an online session, an in-person classroom session, and two full days in the backcountry. The curriculum emphasizes experiential learning, with 60% of the course conducted in the field, maintaining a 4-to-1 student-to-instructor ratio.

Learning Objectives:

• Basic avalanche terminology and concepts.
• Recognizing and navigating avalanche terrain.
• Safe travel procedures in avalanche-prone areas.
• Understanding mountain snowpack formation and the effects of weather.
• Human factors and their impact on decision-making.
• Interpreting avalanche forecasts and advisories.
• Tour planning and preparation.
• Using avalanche transceivers and practicing rescue skills.
• Conducting field observations of terrain, snowpack, and weather.
• Performing and interpreting snow stability tests.
• Prioritizing information, effective teamwork, and avoiding human factor traps.

Course Includes:

• Professional instruction by A3-certified educators.
• Course workbook and resources.
• Online and field-based instruction.
• Lift tickets for courses operating at a ski area (if applicable).

Participants Provide:

• Transportation to and from field components.
• Personal gear suitable for backcountry travel.
• Avalanche rescue gear (beacon, shovel, probe).
• Food and water for all sessions.

Registration:

Register Now to secure your spot in this comprehensive backcountry avalanche safety course. Space is limited to 8 participants, so sign up early!

For questions or assistance with registration or equipment, contact us at [email protected]

Empower yourself with the skills and confidence to navigate avalanche terrain safely and effectively!